By contrast, Smad Place's best days are probably behind him but the 10-year-old grey still takes the plunge in the Gold Cup

Trainer Alan King said: "It's going to be very tough for the old boy but he has been an absolute superstar."

Lizzie Kelly will be the first female jockey to ride in the Gold Cup since 1984 when she receives the leg-up on Tea For Two, while Irish Cavalier has also been declared by Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis.